Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

It's unsurprising that certain strains would lead to increased cancer risk. We've known about this with bacteria (H. Pylori and stomach cancer), viruses (HPV and genital cancers) and fungi (carcinogenic liver toxins) for a long time.

But I do somewhat wonder about the dental profession's "nuke it all" approach to the oral microbiome. We've largely moved away from that for other outside-facing body parts - it's recognised that for organs like skin, gut, vagina, scalp etc that there is such a thing as a healthy, balanced microbiome. I expect they'll get around to discovering the same for the mouth at some point - that if you have the right bacteria and don't overfeed them with massive amounts of glucose and fructose, that's broadly a healthier mouth than blasting everything to oblivion at every opportunity.



Do you mean that brushing your teeth with toothpaste blasts everything to oblivion? I have a hard time believing that.


Probably meant antibacterial mouth washes.


I see, but that hasn't been standard care for at least a decade as far as I know?


This has not been my experience with dentistry. If anything they advise against alcohol-based mouthwashes etc.




Consider applying for YC's Winter 2026 batch! Applications are open till Nov 10

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: